DELICATE european plum tree SEMI-DWARF (MUSTANG)

🍑 DELICATE European plum tree (Prunus domestica ‘Delicate’)

🌸 Origin and type

• Species: Prunus domestica (European plum tree)
• Origin: Canadian selection, related to the Mont-Royale variety
• Type: cold climate hardy plum tree
• Breeder: Canadian program (variety recommended by Whiffletree Farm & Nursery 🇨🇦)

🌳 Tree characteristics

• Habit: rounded to upright, dense foliage
• Vigor: average
• Mature height: 4 to 5 m
• Hardiness: exceptional — up to zone 2/3 (≈ –35 °C)
• Exposure: full sun, warm location sheltered from the wind
• Soil: deep, fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic pH

🍑 Fruit

• Shape: oval to slightly elongated
• Size: medium (slightly smaller than Mont-Royale)
• Skin: purple to dark blue, covered with a thin bloom
• Flesh: golden yellow, firm and juicy
• Taste: mild, sweet, slightly tart — very balanced flavor
• Core: semi-adherent
• Storage: 2 to 3 weeks in a cool place
• Use: eat fresh, in jams, compotes, pies, or dried

🌼 Flowering and pollination

• Flowering: mid-spring (April-May depending on climate)
• Pollination: not self-fertile — requires a compatible pollinator
  • 🔗 Recommended pollinators: Mount Royal, Italian, Pembina, Superior, Underwood
• Natural pollinators: bees and insects

🍂 Harvest

• Period: early to mid-September (depending on region)
• Yield: good to very good, consistent with good pollination
• Special feature: regular ripening, easy to pick

🛠️ Cultivation and care

• Planting: fall or early spring
• Watering: regular during growth, moderate thereafter
• Pruning: winter (frost-free) to aerate the center and stimulate production
• Thinning: useful if fruiting is too abundant
• Fertilization: compost or fruit fertilizer each spring
• Care: mulching and winter protection in the first few years
• Diseases: good overall resistance, but watch for monilia and scab

🍽️ Uses

• Excellent table fruit: sweet and juicy flesh
• Perfect for jams, compotes, and pastries
• Very good drying and freezing properties

💡 Advantages of DELICATE

✅ Excellent hardiness (up to zone 2/3)
✅ Sweet and balanced flavor
✅ Regular production
✅ Suitable for the cold climates of Canada and northern Quebec
✅ Versatile use (fresh and processed)